London was wet and miserable that week and it was hard to tell that it was nearing the end of June. The British weather was terrible and I couldn't help but miss Ibiza's warm sunshine and days by the poolside. Willow headed home with her parents and Nathan spent time with my parents and I, which was nice, before he spent the rest of June locked up in the recording studios, recording songs for his new album until late and night. He still made time for me, though and that really meant a lot.

'Lucy? Are you even listening?' Eric's voice snapped me out of my daydream on the final day of June. We were having a meeting at Warner, trying to decide on the next steps for me.

'Yes.' I lied, looking over at Eric.

'So a UK tour would be good exposure.' Jamie-Lee said, tapping something into her tablet. 'I've already been able to organise my dates for August. Smaller venues really for a starting point.'

'Sounds good. Book them all today and send me the details. Tickets to be released Friday.' Eric nodded. He looked over at Darren. 'How quick can you get a poster together?'

'I can have it done by the end of the day if I have the dates?'

'Great.'

I hated these meetings. It was always like I wasn't there. I was sat there, my opinion being ignored, whilst people spoke about me. A tour sounded good, though. I just hope it wouldn't change my relationship with Nathan. We were in a good place. The press was constantly posting pictures of us and I did miss the privacy, which was frustrating. But most fans loved Lathan (although others wanted me dead). And I loved Lathan too.

'Hey princess.' Nathan surprised me by appearing over the voicecom system that evening, not long after I'd got in.

'Hey, come on up.' I replied cheerily. I buzzed him in and quickly finished loading the dishwasher, before checking my appearance in the mirror; I was wearing black high-waisted jeans, grey crop top and an unbuttoned plaid shirt. Casual but cool. I pulled my hair out of its loose bun, letting it fall in curls over my chest just as the doorbell rang. I opened it quickly and smiled at the sight before me. Nathan Jones, looking handsome as ever with his green eyes, stubble and perfect smile, holding a bouquet of red carnations and white carmellias.

'Hey.' He said, planting a kiss on my forehead. I stepped aside, letting him in and closing the door securely behind him. 'These are for you.'

'You brought me flowers?' I said, suprised. 'What's the occasion?'

'No occasion, I just love you.' He grinned, handing me the flowers.

'I love you too.' I smiled. I walked through into the kitchen, finding a vase for the flowers. I pulled one out of the cupboard and filled it with water as Nathan took off his hoodie and bag, hanging them over one of my dining chairs. I placed the flowers in the water and turned on the kettle as his arms slipped around my waist.

'So how was your day?'

'Busy. You know Eric, he doesn't like me getting bored or whatever.' I replied, stifling a yawn. I'd had a meeting, then he'd wanted me to play him some new songs and then it was a quick photoshoot for my tour poster and flyers. 'What about yours?'

'Pretty successful, but it's even better now I'm here with you.' He whispered. I turned in his arms so that I was facing him and he pressed me against the counter, his hands on my hips.

'It's a lovely surprise.' I said, honestly, my eyes meetng his.

'Well I actually came here to ask you something.' He admitted, his right hand moving to caress my cheek. 'What are your plans this weekend?'

'Nothing at the moment but I'm guessing that's about to change.'

'My parents have invited us down for the weekend.' He said, his hand stroking my cheek. 'With four weeks until my sister's wedding, I guess they want some family time. Will you come with me?'

'To Lyme Regis?'

'You'd make the weekend so much better and mum and dad keep saying they've not met you properly yet, and Melanie wants you at the wedding but wants to meet you first.'

'Okay.' I smiled.

'Okay?' He smiled back, the smile that made my knees weak. He pressed his lips against mine, kissing me softly and then more passionately, pushing me up onto the kitchen counter. I moved my legs so one was each side of his hips and he pulled me closer.

I pulled away, breathless. 'I don't think we're going to be able to do this at your parent's house.'

He gave me a playful look. 'We can try.'

I felt shattered on Friday morning when Nathan picked me up in his flash sports car. I'd spent the week learning to dance, as Eric had thought it would make my live shows even better. It had meant though that my legs were achy. Luckily, as I climbed in his car, I felt surprised that I wasn't as sore as I had been. Nathan closed the trunk, securing my luggage inside and joined me in the front of the car. With a squeeze of my knee, we headed off for our four hour journey down south.

I'd been to Devon many times, on holiday with my parents, grandparents and even once with Willow. I'd seen Lyme Regis on the signs, but I'd never actually ventured there. As we reached the 30mph zone along the A3052, I knew we were nearly there. I held my hands together, nervously, and I couldn't help but feel a little sickly as houses started to line the streets. We passed a 'Welcome to Lyme Regis sign' and I sucked in a deep breath.

'Hey, they already love you.' Nathan said with a reassuring smile, squeezing my knee with his free hand. 'You've made their son the happiest guy in the world.'

I watched as Nathan continued along the road, passing car parks and the town centre and continuing to drive, the sea on my left. He exited the main road following a sign for the harbour and then continued on a quiet road with the odd house. Halfway down the hill we were driving down, there was a small road on the right and he slowed down, turning into it. Then he turned into a gravel driveway, in front of the house I assumed was his childhood home; a large white house with grey slate roof, over-looking the water and the harbour below. He grabbed my hand, bringing it to his lips and kissing it softly.

Let's go. His voice said and he got out of the car. I unfastened my belt and let myself out as a brunette girl with straight, shoulder-length hair, who had to be Nathan's sister, raced out of the house, wrapping her arms around him.

'Nate, oh brother I've missed you!' She said, her accent almost West-Country.

'Hey Mel, long time no see.' He chuckled as she released him.

'Too long. I know you're busy being famous and all but make some time for your little sister, sheesh.' She rolled her eyes but I knew she was joking.

'Mel, this is Lucy.' Nathan said, signalling to where I was stood awkwardly. 'Lucy, this is my crazy sister Mel.'

'I'm so glad I finally get to meet you!' She pulled me into a hug, surprising me.

'You too.' I said with a smile as she relieved me.

'Get your bags later,' Melanie instructed, 'everyone else is already here and inside.'

Nathan reached for my hand, interlocking our fingers as we followed his excited sister inside. Melanie led us into the living room, which had polished wooden floors and cream painted walls. There were two comfy, worn-looking three-seater brown leather sofas, a huge fluffy rug, a stone fireplace, a flatscreen television and then huge french doors which opened out into the garden, giving a lovely view of the sea and harbour. His family were sat down, chatting and drinking tea when we walked in and they became silent when they spotted us, making me nervous.

'Nate, Lucy!' Sandra, Nathan's mum, smiled with a greeting, pulling us each into a hug. I was passed along to his dad (Robert), his brother (Chase), his sister-in-law (Josie), and then introduced to his soon-to-be-brother-in-law (Sam).

'Uncle Nate!' A small girl of about six, with light-brown pigtails and bright green eyes, ran into the room, wrapping her arms around Nathan's legs.

'Hello Queen Sophia.' He picked her up in a hug and she wrapped her arms around his neck tightly, in a loving gesture. The sight made my knees weak. It was adorable.

'I've missed you.'

'I've missed you too.' He said with a smile, kissing the top of her head.

'Eww.' She groaned. 'Put me down!'

He laughed, putting her down as a girl of about three walked into a room, hurrying over to Nathan. He bent down to hug her. 'Hello Grace.'

'Heya.' The little blonde smiled happily, the same green eyes. They had their dad's eyes, which were almost a replica of Nathan's.

'Sophia, Grace, I'd like you to meet-'

'Your girlfriend!' Sophia interrupted, smiling up at me. 'I've seen you on the telly.' She held her hand out for me. 'I'm Sophia, it's a pleasure to meet you.'

I laughed at the formality but I shook her hand anyway. 'It's good to meet you too.' Grace looked at me, nervously, and gave me a shy smile. She wasn't as confident as her sister but that was fine. I waved at her and she hid behind Nathan.

'Would you like a cup of tea?' Sandra asked me as Sophia ran back into the garden, Grace hurrying along behind her.

'That would be lovely thank you.'

Nathan unpacked his car after our cups of tea and then he led me up to the room we'd be sleeping in, which was the room he'd grown up in. It wasn't huge, but it was big enough for a wardrobe and a double bed. The room had light grey walls and the same polished wooden flooring that seemed to be everywhere in the house. The bed had a wooden headboard and was decorated with a white duvet, grey cushions on the top. There were two acoustic guitars hung on the wall next to a window which had a view of the ocean. It was homely.

'My first two guitars.' Nathan explained when he caught me looking at them.

'It's nice you still have them.' I smiled. I looked at the photographs on the windowsill. They were of his family. There was one of him with Sophia aged three and Grace as a baby and it made my heart melt a little. It was adorable.

'You've been very quiet. Are you okay?' He walked over to me and wrapped his arms around my waist.

'I'm fine.' I said, smiling up at him.

'Dinner's ready!' Sophia announced dramatically, appearing in the doorway. 'Uncle Nate, are you going to sing for me later?'

'If you want.' Nathan replied with a smile to his niece.

'Awesome!' She ran off down the corridor and I laughed.

'She's cute.' I said as he pulled me closer to him.

'Yes she is. Too cute.' He placed a kiss on my forehead. 'Come on, let's head to dinner.'

Dinner with his family was nice. We all sat around a large table together, all ten of us, chatting and laughing and enjoying Sandra's delicious salmon dish. Then we all retired to the living room after dinner, whilst Josie put little Grace to bed.

'So what's next for you then, Lucy?' Chase asked me, pulling Sophia onto his lap.

'I've just had a UK tour announced for the end of August so that should be fun.' I replied. Tickets were selling pretty well, according to my text message from Jamie-Lee a few hours ago. That was promising.

'That sounds good fun! Is it your first headlining tour?' Robert asked, a friendly smile on his face. I felt more relaxed than I had done previously, although I still worried that they didn't like me.

'Yeah.' I said, shyly.

'You'll be great, you always are.' Nathan said from beside me, squeezing my hand.

'Uncle Nate, can you sing now?' Sophia whined, hopping off of her dad's lap. She walked over to us, pulling at his free hand.

'Sophia, we've just had dinner. Give your uncle some time to relax.' Chase tutted, shaking his head.

'But I like it when you sing.' She pouted, giving her best puppy-dog eyes, and I laughed. His niece was a fangirl in her own right.

'Come on then.' He sighed, standing up and sending me an apologetic look.

'Lucy has to come too.' Sophia said, grabbing my hand. I laughed and looked up at his family, who were watching me with friendly smiles. I stood up carefully and let Sophia lead us into the second reception room, the small one at the back of the house with a single television and some of the girls' toys in it. I spotted a soft toy of Elsa and a soft toy of Anna, which Nathan had bought the first time we'd been to Disneyland. I sat down on the sofa and Sophia pulled over a beanbag chair, perching herself on it as Nathan sat down with his guitar beside me.

'So what am I singing, Soph?' My boyfriend asked his niece.

'My favourite.' She grinned back at him, her pretty eyes sparkling.

Nathan's fingers started to move across the guitar and he smiled at his niece as he started to sing. 'You've got a friend in me

You've got a friend in me

When the road looks rough ahead

And you're miles and miles from your nice warm bed

You just remember what your old pal said

Boy you've got a friend in me

Yeah you've got a friend in me.'

When the song ended, Sophia and I both applauded Nathan and he bowed his head, jokily.

'Another one!' Sophia clapped her hands together, before turning to me. 'But you have to sing too!'

'Okay.' I nodded. 'What are we singing?'

'Beauty and the Beast!' She replied. I let out the breath I was holding. I knew that one, thank goodness. I glanced over at Nathan and he smiled as he started to play the chords of Tale as Old as Time. He nodded at me, signalling that I was starting.

'Tale as old as time

True as it can be

Barely even friends

Then some body bends

Unexpectedly.'

Sophia watched us, grinning, as Nathan sang the next part of the verse. 'Just a little change

Small to say the least

Both a little scared

Neither one prepared

Beauty and the beast.'

Nathan nodded again and we sang together, our voices blending together in that perfect way that they did, our voices almost dancing with each other. 'Ever just the same

Ever a surprise

Ever as before

Ever just as sure

As the sun will rise

Tale as old as time

Tune as old as song

Bitter sweet and strange

Finding you can change

Learning you were wrong

Certain as the sun

Rising in the east

Tale as old as time

Song as old as rhyme

Beauty and the beast.'

When the song ended, we were greeted by applause and I looked up to see that Nathan's family were all stood in the doorway, watching us with smiles on their faces, clapping their hands.

Sophia squealed with delight. 'Uncle Nate, I'm sorry but Lucy is my favourite singer as well now!' She looked up at me. 'You're pretty like a Disney princess.'

'Thank you.' I laughed.

'Sophia, time for bed.' Chase said, his arm affectionately wrapped around his wife.

'But I'm not tired.' She replied with a yawn, clearly showing she was.

'Uncle Nate and Lucy will still be here tomorrow.' Josie added with a loving smile towards her daughter. 'Come on, otherwise you'll be too tired to go to the beach tomorrow.'

'Is it going to be sunny?' Sophia asked, her arms folded across her chest.

'It's supposed to be.'

'Okay then.' Sophia got up and hugged Nathan and then me. 'Goodnight.'

'Goodnight.' Nathan and I chorused.

I paused in the hallway after using the bathroom, listening in on the conversation in the living room, where Nathan was sat with his family.

'She's great, Nate. She's lovely and very pretty.' Melanie was saying.

'You really love her, don't you?' Sandra was asking, her voice sounding cheery.

'I do.' Nathan was replying. 'I've never felt this way before. It's actually pretty scary.'

'My kids are all growing up.' Robert sighed, although it sounded more like a sigh of content than of disappointment.

'Hold onto her, bro. Don't let her go.' Chase said.

'Oh don't worry, I plan on it.' Nathan said.

That night I felt content and relaxed. I got ready for bed first and then Nathan went into the bathroom after me, whilst I sat checking my emails and social media.

Lucy,

London show has sold out. Tickets still available for others but looks promising. Spoken to Jessie J on the phone today. She wants you to do a collaboration with her and Nicki Minaj next week. I've said you'd love to. Just make sure you're back by Tuesday as that's your first day in the studio with them.

Eric.

My eyes widened. Jessie J wanted me to do a song with her? That was incredible! I loved her songs. She was an incredible singer-songwriter. Nathan appeared in the doorway in his boxers and I found myself giving his body a once-over. I loved his six-pack chest from working out and his strong arms and his tight boxers were showing me everything. I swallowed. We were in his parent's house. That was completely inappropriate. He closed the door, locking it behind him.

'Anything good?' He signalled to my Samsung tablet in my hands, completely oblivious of the wild thoughts I was having.

'Jessie J wants me to collab with her.' I replied, the excitement returning and buzzing through my veins.

'That's fantastic news!' He planted a proud kiss on my lips and I smiled.

'It is, isn't it?' I looked up at him, at his beautiful eyes which seemed to be looking into my soul. 'Do you think your family like me?'

The corners of his mouth turned upwards into a smile and he wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me closer to him. 'They love you.' He whispered. 'Just like I said they would.' His hand went up to my cheek, gently caressing it. 'What did I get right to deserve you?'

'Kept harassing me with spontaneous visits and flowers and trips to Disneyland?' I teased and he laughed, before making his face serious again.

'You know, from when I first saw you looking upset when you were out with your friends I knew I wanted to be the person to make you smile again.' His thumb gently stroked my cheek, sending electric shocks through my skin. 'And I did and now I've completely fallen for you. Everything you do, everything you say, everything you are. You're always on my mind when I wake up and when I go to bed. I'm yours for as long as you want me.' I smiled at him and he smiled back, before pressing his lips gently to mine, a loving, affectionate gesture.

We made love that night, and it really was making love. It was gentle and slow, but it was perfect. Nathan fell asleep beside me, naked, his arms wrapped around me. But I couldn't sleep. The familiar dizzy feeling was taking over me once more and I wished it wouldn't. It was going to ruin the most wonderful day. My vision became obscured and suddenly I was somewhere else.

Where was I? I couldn't tell. It was a park somewhere and it was raining. I didn't have a coat. My hands were cold so I rubbed them together for warmth. That was when I spotted it. The ring on my left ring finger. A beautiful silver band with a silver diamond, blue sapphires built into the band. Then I heard the gunshots ringing out.

I sat up in bed with a start, but thankfully I hadn't woken up Nathan. So I'd been engaged. To Nathan? I hoped so. I glanced over at him as I remembered the sound of gunshots. I really hoped that Nathan wasn't there. The man, lying beside me, was perfect. He loved me and showed me everyday, from tucking my hair behind my ear, to the soft expression on his face when he looked at me, to cooking me dinner or buying me flowers 'just because.' I was incredibly lucky to have him and he'd quickly become my whole world, filling the void that had been left by everyone's favourite ginger-haired singer. I sighed and laid back down, nestling up to Nathan, our bare skin touching. He instinctively wrapped his arms around me, holding me there, in my safe place.

My boyfriend wasn't beside me when I woke up the next morning. I stretched across the bed, finding an empty space beside me, and I opened my eyes to confirm that he wasn't in the room. Light seeped in through the blinds, showing me that the sun was shining over Devon. I had a quick shower and dressed in my white shorts and denim shirt, plaiting my hair to the side. Then I headed downstairs.

After a quick breakfast, Melanie, Sam, Sandra and Robert disappeared off to the wedding venue, where they were choosing the final menu for the big day. This left Nathan and I with Chase, Josie and Nathan's two gorgeous nieces.

'This is lovely.' I told Nathan when we all found a spot on the sandy beach, which was pretty busy thanks to the sunshine and warmer air. Parents splashed around in the sea with their children and teenagers laid around on the sand, sunbathing and listening to their music. I laid out my towel and sat down on it as Josie and Chase covered their daughters with suncream.

'It is.' Nathan smiled, nodding in agreement, as he sat down beside me. 'We spent most weekends down here when I was a kid.' He looked out thoughtfully at The Cobb, which was the harbour at Lyme Regis. 'I remember crabbing off The Cobb and my dad teaching me to sail.'

How wonderful, I thought. It was a lovely harbour. I'd grown up close to the sea too, and I'd spent a lot of time on the beach, although our local beach was always covered with shingle and seaweed and it was somehow less scenic. I adjusted my sunglasses, pushing them further up my nose, concealing my identity. I glanced at Nathan, trying to be subtle as I watched him pull his t-shirt over his head, revealing his perfectly carved muscles. He too was hidden behind his shades, although his star tattoo was almost a giveaway, especially since the photos released of our yacht trip in Ibiza.

'Can I draw on you?' Grace asked, appearing in front of us and pointing at Nathan's tattoo. I smiled at the innocence of it. With her curls, bright eyes and pink frilly hat she almost ressembled a cute china doll.

'That's not a drawing, it's called a tattoo.' Sophia pointed out, maturely, rolling her eyes at her sister. 'Loads of people have them. You can't wash them off, Grace.'

Nathan raised his eyebrows in surprise and Chase laughed at his daughter. 'So why don't we build a sandcastle?' My boyfriend suggested.

'Can we make it look like Cinderella's castle at Disneyland?' Sophia asked, exitedly.

'Uhm, we can try.' He smiled, getting up. Grace picked up the buckets and spades, dragging them across the sand to where Sophia had sat herself.

It was safe to say that it wasn't quite Cinderella's castle, but I was glad. Nathan was talented at a lot of things and it would have been too much if he'd been a good sculptist too. The day on the beach was lovely and equally exhausting when trying to constantly entertain two children. I definitely was not ready to have a family. That night we had dinner at a beautiful pub on the Cobb and then we spent Sunday making centerpieces for the wedding, before having a lovely homecooked roast dinner.

'Would you like to go for a walk?' Nathan asked that night, after we had finished helping his mum clean the kitchen.

I looked out of the window. 'In the dark?'

'Sure.' He smiled. 'Are you afraid of the boogieman?'

'Of course not.' I shook my head. There wasn't much I was afraid of at that moment. Only my vision. With the ring and the gunshot. 'Let's go.'

Nathan drove us out of the town and along the coast, eventually stopping down a dirt-track in a car park next to some woodland, which overlooked the sea. I looked out at the sea, glistening in the moonlight and I couldn't help but think that I would be freaked out if I didn't have my boyfriend beside me.

'This looks like somewhere a murder might take place.' I chuckled as we got out of the car.

He snaked his arms around my waist and sighed. 'I'm offended. This is my favourite place to come to think.'

'Even in the dark?'

'Sure.' He smiled, pressing his lips to my forehead. 'No one ever really comes out here. It's like my own private beach. Come on.' He held his hand out for mine and I took it, allowing him to lead me down a steep path, to a small, secluded cove. We reached the sand at the bottom and I looked up at the cliff faces surrounding us. Again, it was beautiful but almost creepy.

'I bet the water's cold.' I whispered, watching it lap against the damp sand a few metres away from us.

'Only one way to find out.' He grinned, pulling his t-shirt over his head.

I raised my eyebrows. 'What are you doing?'

'Having a cheeky swim. Are you joining me?' He slipped off his shoes and tucked them into his rucksack, pulling out two towels. He'd been planning this clearly.

'It will be freezing. It's not like we're in Ibiza anymore.'

'Spoilsport.' He stuck out his tongue and hooked his thumbs around the top of his boxers, pulling them down.

My eyes widened. 'You're skinny dipping?'

'Sure. I've never been brave enough before. You make me want to do crazy things.'

'That is crazy.' I swallowed, trying not to gawp at his naked body stood beside me.

'Join me?'

'I don't think so. I still have my common sense.'

He looked thoughtful for a moment, stood cupping his privates. 'I dare you to skinny dip.'

My jaw dropped as he grinned. 'Why would you do that?'

'Because for some crazy reason you never turn dares down. Isn't that how we first met, huh?' He winked at me and I sighed, pulling my dress over my head as the cool wind whipped against my skin.

'You suck.'

He didn't say anything. Instead he watched as I unfastened my bra, letting it fall to the ground. I took off my matching briefs and attempted to cover myself using my arm and hand. He gave me his adorable smile the world (and I) loved so much, holding his hand out for mine. Then we ran. I squealed as we ran into the cold water and he kept tugging me until it was just deep enough to reach my shoulders. I gasped in the cold, goosebumps covering my skin and my teeth chattering.

'It's frrrrr...eeeee...zzziing.' I gasped as Nathan wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling my naked body against his. He pressed his lips to mine, passionately, and I sank into the kiss, trying to block out the cold as his lips moved against mine. It made me feel electric, but the cold wasn't budging. Was it possible to get frostbite from cold water?

'Come on, we've knocked skinny dipping off my bucketlist.' He smiled, kissing my forehead. 'Let's get out before you turn blue.' He led me out of the water and threw me a towel, which I wrapped around myself as I shivered. Nathan threw our clothes into his rucksack. 'Let's go on up to the car and I'll put the heater on to help us dry off.'

I was thankful for the heat of his fancy sports car and I felt myself starting to defrost as I sat, wrapped only in a towel and blanket, on his sleek, leather passenger seat as warm air poured out of the fan.

'That better?' Nathan asked, his eyes locked on mine.

'Much.' I replied, feeling less like a snowman and more like a human again. I looked at him, his eyes watching me intensely. 'What?' He pulled me onto his lap and started kissing me passionately, his hands sliding under the towel and onto my warming naked body.

And that was how we ended up making love in his car.

'Oh my god, Lucy May, it's an honor to meet you!' Jessie J said to me that Tuesday morning when I walked into Abbey Road Studios, which was exciting in itself. Being in there with Jessie J was even better. She pulled me into a hug.

'An honor to meet me?' I scoffed. 'You're one of the greatest songwriters ever.'

'Oh please.' She laughed. 'You'll be overtaking me soon enough.'

I glanced up in surprise as Nicki Minaj walked into the room in her usual skin-tight clothing, showing off her hourglass figure which I was sure was not natural in the slightest. Breast implants and butt implants seemed likely.

'Oh right, Nicki, this is Lucy, Lucy this is Nicki. She's going to be on the track with us too.' Jessie smiled, introducing us. I held out my hand for Nicki and she fist-pumped it instead of shaking it. Fair enough.

'Your voice is sweet.' Nicki told me, a friendly smile on her face.

'Thank you.' I replied, smiling nervously. A track with Jessie J and Nicki Minaj? Really?

'Let's go into the studio.' Jessie said to us both. 'I'll sing it through and then you can hear the song and give me some feedback. I'd like you on harmonies and second verse.' She turned to me. 'Let's go make a number one single.'

By late afternoon, I'd already learnt the verse and I was rehearsing it with the two huge artists I was lucky to be sharing the studio with. I adjusted my headphones as the music changed and it was my time to come in, 'She might have let you hold her hand in school

But I'mma show you how to graduate

No, I don't need to hear you talk the talk

Just come and show me what your Momma gave (Oh yeah)

You've got a very big shh

Mouth but don't say a thing

See anybody could be good to you,

You need a bad girl to blow your mind.'

'Can we stop there?' Jessie said into her mic, cutting me off. She gave me an excited smile. 'That was great. This is going to be great! Are you available tomorrow?'

I was available all week for this recording. Eric had made sure of it. 'Yes.'

'Great. Maybe we can start recording! I'll give my producers a call.' She smiled. 'I'll text you the dets?'

'Sure.'

London felt strangely muggy when I walked out of the studio that evening and into the rush hour. Cars were packed on the road, between buses, all desperate to get around. I was thankful I'd decided to get the tube.

'Hi Miss May.' Matt said, appearing at my side as I reached the road.

'Lucy.' I corrected him as always. He was always going to refer to me formally. It was something I'd have to get used to. We crossed the famous crossings used by The Beatles, passing tourists posing for photos, and I slipped on my sunglasses and adjusted my straw trilby, concealing my identity.

'Are we back here tomorrow?' Matt asked me.

'Yes. I'll let you know the details later.' I replied with a smile.

'Oh my god, Lucy May!' A teenage guy called out, his friends turning to face me. So much for the shades and hat.

'I love your music!' One of his male friends gushed.

'And your wardrobe!' A female friend added.

'Thank you.' I smiled.

'Can we please have a selfie with you?'

'Sure.' I replied, casually. They surrounded me, squishing in for a photo as they snapped away.

'Can you sign this?' One of them held out a notepad and I signed it quickly.

'Come on Miss May, let's get you home.' Matt intervened, guiding me away from the crowd and leading me round the back of a housing estate. 'I don't think we're going to be getting the tube today, do you?'

The record label's car dropped me off at my apartment not long after six and I was relieved when I unlocked the door to the block of flats. It had taken almost an hour.

'Hi Lucy.' My elderly neighbour, Karen, greeted me with a smile as I passed her door.

'Hello Karen. How are you?'

'I'm good thanks. Just seen you on Taylor Swift's new music video.'

Of course. It had been released overnight. I'd completely forgot. 'Oh cool.' I smiled. She disappeared into her flat and I reached my door, pausing when I saw a package on the floor. A long box. I squinted down to inspect the handwriting but it had been typed. I scooped up the box into my arms and unlocked my door, brushing the letters away with my foot so that I didn't tread on them. After closing and securing the door behind me, I picked up my post and collapsed on my sofa, glad to be somewhere I could relax. I started with the letters first, which were mostly bills. Then there was one which made me smile.

Lucy,

You are invited to Glamp Melanie for a weekend of fun before the wedding! Come and join the other Babes in the Woods for a weekend of adventure, laughter and wine. Please see the attached packing list for what to bring and meet me at:

Glamp Melanie , Herston Campsite

Swanage

at 16:00 on Friday 15th July

Please RSVP,

Melanie

It was one week away but it sounded great fun. I sent Melanie a quick yes text without needing to think. I liked Nathan's family and I wanted to spend some more time with them. I looked at the box sat in my lap. Had my wonderful boyfriend decided to send me a gift again? I wasn't sure. I untied the ribbon and lifted the lid, revealing a beautiful bouquet of cream and red roses. The flower of love. I ran my hands over them, feeling the velvety petals, and then I picked up the card.

Your hand fits in mine like it's made just for me

But bare this in mind it was meant to be

I'll always be there, fighting my corner,

Ed x

So he hadn't been kidding about trying to win me back. I felt angry and irritated. I picked up the box of flowers, throwing them straight into the bin. How dare he send me flowers and quote the love song he'd written about me. I picked up my guitar and started to strum as the lyrics poured into my head.

'Why are you singing me love songs?

What good is a love song?

What good is a love song without the love?'

The following week things with Jessie J and Nicki Minaj were working super fast due to upcoming music festivals, which they'd both be playing at. Their tight schedule meant that we'd finished the recording by Thursday on Monday and Tuesday we shot the London parts of the music video. I'd spent Monday in the company of some dancers, who'd been hired to be my 'friends', whilst I rolled around on the bed and danced around the bedroom in some incredibly tiny white hotpants, a white lace crop top and the highest white heels I'd ever worn, my hair pinstraight and my make-up vibrant. It had been okay but between the song lyrics and my sexual dance moves, I knew it was going to be another song my parents refused to listen to, even if it was going to be a success thanks to Nicki and Jessie.

Then Tuesday night, we were on location on a rooftop in London. It was supposed to have been New York, but they'd found the perfect spot and a reasonable cost so they'd decided to shoot in London. It saved us all flying over to the city, when only Jessie would need to do that for her part. My outfit was just as revealing as the previous day; a co-ord set consisting of a pink, silver and white sequinned mini skirt and crop top, the same killer heels on my feet. My hair and make-up was kept the same too, which made me a little confident until I remembered I would be dancing. On a rooftop. Doing a dance I'd only learnt earlier that day. Brilliant. Not.

They shot Nicki's arrival by helicopter and her lip-synching to her rap quickly, whilst Jessie and I sat on the sidelines, tapping our feet to the recording from the previous week.

'You've been great to work with.' Jessie told me, her smile genuine. 'I think it's going to be a hit.'

'I think so too.' I smiled, trying to ignore the fact that the 'hit' was far away from the pop-rock stuff I was used to doing. And even further away than my performance at the Bluebird in Nashville just over seven months ago.

'We'll have to get together to do some live performances.'

'Sure.'

I looked up at the dancers, performing their routine with precision. They moved around quickly and perfectly in time. I wasn't ever going to be that good at dancing. I didn't have the coordination for it. I just hoped it didn't show.

'It's me, Jessie, and Lucy

If they test me they sorry

Riders umph like Harley

Then pull off in this Ferrari.'

How did she rap so fast? I couldn't speak that quick without it coming out like complete nonsense. I had to hand it to her, her rapping skills were something else.

'Okay, cut!' The director called. 'Jessie, Lucy, rest of the dances, get in shot please.'

I stood up and Jessie J shrugged out of her gown, revealing a sequinned zebra-print dress more revealing them my outfit. The high slits in it told me she wasn't wearing underwear. Brave woman. Nicki rushed off to change her outfit whilst we were given instructions.

'Okay so you're dancing and having a party on a roof in New York city.' The director told us. 'You need to lip synch along too, which you've all done well so far.' He grabbed me. 'Lucy, you stand here. Jessie, in the middle and then Nicki on the far side.' Nicki returned in record breaking timing, this time in a yellow mini skirt and a multi-coloured bra. It was an unusual look, but Nicki Minaj didn't do highstreet. Or subtle. 'Let's give it a shot.' The director said, returning to his chair behind the cameras. 'Action.'

It was all over about 1am and I was exhausted by the time I got home. I glanced over my shoulder as I closed the door to the block of flats and I frowned at the silhouette of a figure watching me. Was it Ed? Or was it Rich? I hoped it was neither. I shuddered, shutting the door firmly behind me and heading to bed.

'So when were you planning to tell me you're BFFs with Nicki Minaj and Jessie J?' Leanne asked me on the phone on Friday lunchtime, as I packed for my glamping weekend with Nathan's family.

'We're hardly BFFs.' I scoffed, scanning the list.

Sleeping bag, towel, torch, wellies, festival headgear, party outfit, onesie, pyjamas, Disney fancy dress costume, swimwear...

'Then why are photos of you on their Instagram accounts?'

There were? We'd taken some pictures together but I'd not even checked Instagram over the last few days. I'd been exhausted. Video shoots, photoshoots, album artwork shoots... It had been mayhem. When I'd told Eric I'd be going away for the weekend he'd not been impressed, but he couldn't say no. I needed some time off. 'We've been recording together.' I explained.

'What?!' She shrieked, her voice a higher pitch than normal. 'And when were you going to tell me?!'

'When I next saw you.' I replied, although I'd not even thought about it. So much was going on all the time now, some things just didn't seem important. 'I didn't want to be boastful.'

'This is big, Luce! I had no idea they were into the whole pop-rock stuff.'

'It's more pop. And it's a bit suggestive.' I told her, tucking my phone between my ear and shoulder as I folded up a towel, tucking it into my weekend bag. 'And before you say it, I know it's not really me but it was too big an opportunity to turn down.'

'That's fair enough.' She said and then paused. 'Just remember your music, Luce. Your music is great. Don't lose that.'

'I won't. I promise.' I replied, although I wasn't sure how much longer I could keep that promise up.

'You know, you really didn't need to drive me.' I told Nathan as we sped out of the motorway, heading for Dorset.

'I have to tell my mum and sister not to share any embarassing stories about me.' He winked. 'Besides, I'm heading down South for the stag do anyway.'

'Ah yes, the stag do.' I replied, taking off my sunglasses as the sun disappeared behind a crowd. 'Where is it you're going, again?'

'Bristol.' He said with a cheeky grin. 'Should be a crazy weekend.'

'Mmmhmm.' I raised an eyebrow.

'Don't worry, there won't be any skinny dipping.' He said, squeezing my knee. 'I'm hoping you won't be either.'

'Of course not. I've been put off that for life after turning blue.'

'But what happened after was... incredible.' He licked his lip at the memory and I blushed as I glanced at the backseat in the wingmirror. I'd never look at his car the same way again.

Glamp Melanie was signposted from the road just outside of Swanage, and Nathan turned down the track through the forest until we reached a clearing, with a huge 'Welcome to Glamp Melanie' sign. There were five white bell tents, with bunting decorating each of them, a fire pit in the middle. There were four wooden cabins spread around behind the tents and then a large wooden decking area with picnic benches, a barbecue and two hot tubs next to a large tent marked 'Living room.'

'Now this is my kind of camping.' I said as I got out of the car.

'This is not camping.' Nathan shook his head. 'Are those beds I can see in the tents?'

'Lucy!' Melanie appeared from nowhere, pulling me into a hug. She popped a pink flower crown onto my head and I smiled at her version; hers was white with a little veil attached to the back of it. 'I'm so glad you could come.'

'The place looks great.' I told her with a smile.

'Of course, it's glamping!' She beamed, before turning to face her brother. 'Did you not see the sign?' She pointed at a sign marked 'No boys allowed.'

'I guess I don't need to worry about strippers then, huh?' He said, cheekily, and his sister rolled her eyes.

'You have to go now. You're banished.'

'Banished?' He raised an eyebrow.

'Come on, haven't you got to get to Bristol?' She whined.

'Fine.' He laughed. 'But no embarassing stories and don't scare Lucy off, okay?'

'I can't make any promises.' Melanie grinned wickedly.

Nathan bent down and kissed me softly on my lips before passing me my bags. 'Have a good weekend.'

'You too.'

'Come on,' Melanie linked arms with me, 'you have to meet everyone.'

I was last to arrive, so it seemed. There were ten of us in total; me, Melanie, Sandra (Nathan's mum), Rozina (the groom's mum), Josie, four of Melanie's best friends, and surprisingly, Lily.

'Hey, Lu!' Lily smiled, pulling me into a hug. 'How are you?'

'I'm good thanks, how are you? What are you doing here?'

'It's my brother Melanie's marrying.' She smiled, sheepishly. 'So I'm head bridesmaid.'

Of course. Lily and her family had known Nathan's family for years. Melanie had a proper fairytale romance. Grow up together, fall in love young and then get married.

'I hope you don't mind,' Lily continued, 'but I said maybe you'd share a tent with me?'

'Sure.' I smiled. She took one of my bags and led the way. Our tent was in the middle, decorated with blue floral bunting and fairy lights. Inside were two mattresses with pillows and a bedside table between them, with a full-length mirror. One of the beds already had a blue sleeping bag on it, so I placed my floral sleeping bag on the free one as Lily put down one of my bags. Then we returned to the festivities.

'So tonight,' Lily announced to everyone as we sat around drinking hot chocolate, 'we have dinner reservations in town at an Italian in Poole and then we're off to a cocktail master class and wherever the night takes us.'

'Sounds great!' Marie, one of the other bridesmaids, said with a smile.

'Poole?' Melanie squinted. 'How are we getting to Poole?'

'Oh you'll see.' Lily grinned. 'But first we have to get ready. We're off in an hour.'

So that was where the Disney costumes came in. We'd all been assigned a character we supposedly looked like, which was interesting to say the least. Lily was a cute Cinderella, in a knee-length Cinderella dress, which hardly surprised me with her fair skin and blonde hair. Melanie was a sexy Snow White, a veil on her head. Then there was Tinkerbell, Aurora, Jasmine, Ariel and the two mothers had dressed as a pretty cool Anna and Elsa. I, however, had been assigned Belle and I almost felt like her in my yellow off-shoulder fancy dress costume, with a dip-hem at the back, my curled hair in a half updo. Then we were off.

Our 'ride' for the evening was a 16-seater party bus, complete with disco lights and loud music. It was pretty crazy, but Melanie looked happy and that was the main thing. The drive itself took about 40mins, which wasn't bad when you were in good company. Everyone was chatting and singing along as we drank a bottle of champagne. We arrived in Poole shortly after and headed straight for dinner at a cute little Italian place.

Then we headed to a cocktail bar, which was where the fun really started. Maitai was bigger on the inside then the outside and due to being a Friday night, it was fairly busy. The bar was dimly lit with white leather bar stools in front of the bar and leather booths elsewhere. We were led towards the back of the bar, where there was a private space cleared for us and our masterclass. The masterclass lasted about an hour and it wasn't long before the effects of drinking mixed spirits was getting to everyone, mostly Sandra.

Melanie walked over to me as our bar was opened up to the public, draping her arm over my shoulders. 'Are you having fun?' She asked, a huge smile plastered onto her face.

'Absolutely.' I replied, returning the smile.

'Maybe one day we'll be sisters! How cool would that be?' She grinned and I thought back to the vision I'd had. Maybe we would be.

'Don't scare off the poor girl, Mel.' Sandra tutted. 'We promised Nate that we'd behave.'

Becca, one of the bridesmaids, glared at me and I frowned. She'd not spoken to me at all since I'd arrived. If anything, she'd avoided me. Melanie caught her glaring at me and shook her head, making her bridesmaid look back at Lily and continue her conversation with her.

'Did I do something? Or say something?' I said, puzzled.

Melanie rolled her eyes. 'Becca and Nate were together like three years. They got together after college and broke up last year. I think she still has feelings for him, but she cheated so...' She trailed off and I swallowed. Becca was stunning. She may not have had crazily long legs like me but her body was a perfect hourglass shape and she had a very pretty face; piercing blue eyes, plump lips and shiny blonde hair.

'So how come she's your bridesmaid?' I asked, my head cocked to the side. I probably wouldn't have asked her if I hadn't been drinking. Liquid courage and all that.

'Becca and I have been friends since school. She's one of my best friends, although she nearly wasn't after screwing my brother over like that.' She frowned but then the corners of her mouth lifted up into a smile. 'Let's forget about this and drink.' She called over the bartender and ordered some drinks, but I couldn't help glancing over at Becca in her tiny Aurora costume and feeling a little jealous. She was perfect. I wasn't surprised Nathan had dated her.

'Now this... this is more like it.' Lily sighed as we sank into the jacuzzi in the campsite's mini spa the following afternoon. We'd all woken up feeling hungover and even a full English fry-up hadn't been enough to take away the headaches and stuffy feeling from the night before.

'Eugh my head!' Melanie groaned, sliding into the jacuzzi beside me.

'It was a good night, though.' I smiled.

'It was but I'm thankful for a chilled evening here later.' She turned to Lily. 'What do you have instore?'

'Now that would be telling.' Lily smirked, stretching her petite frame out in the water. I glanced over at the jacuzzi next to us, where Becca and Marie were sat, chatting away. Becca met my eyes and glared. I sighed. 'Ignore them.' Lily tutted. 'I know Becca's our friend, Mel, but she's really irritating me at the moment with her rudeness.'

'I know.' Melanie sighed. 'I'll have a chat with her later. She's just jealous that Nate's moved on and is crazy in love with you.' She gave me a reassuring smile and I blushed. 'But you knew that already, didn't you? He doesn't just sneak off in the middle of the night with anyone.'

I blushed even more, remembering what had happened that night. The skinny dipping... the love-making in the car. 'Everyone was asleep.' I said, quietly.

'That's what you thought, huh?' She teased. 'Not a lot gets past me. I might be his younger sister, but I know a lot more than people think.'

That night, we were told to get into our best festival attire. As I changed into my sundress, cowboy boots, flower crown and warm, baggy cardigan, Lily bit her lip, nervously.

'What's up?' I asked her, leaning my head to one side.

'I hired a band for a gig tonight. They're really good. Festival-kind of Indie stuff from Brighton, you know? I just hope Melanie likes them.' She ran a hand through her pin-straight hair and then placed her flower crown on top of her head.

'Lily! The band's here!' Sandra called out.

'Band?! What band?!' Melanie squealed with excitement from across the campsite somewhere.

'Ah sheesh. I'll see you in a bit?' Lily slipped out of the tent as I finished applying my make-up.

My phone buzzed and I picked it up, surprised to have my first text of the weekend from Nathan.

Hey my beautiful princess, hope my family haven't scared you off yet? Miss you and love you, N xxxx

I smiled and quickly replied, jumping when I heard my name being called. 'Coming!' I replied. I grabbed my phone and headed out into the cool air, which was filled with the smell of a barbecue. On the decking, next to the jacuzzis, a band were setting up their instruments whilst Sandra and Lily hurried around, finishing decorating the area with bunting and fairylights.

'Did you borrow your granddad's cardigan?' Becca muttered as she attempted to pass me, wearing a tube dress and heels.

'Yeah totally. Didn't you get the memo? We're not clubbing, we're having a music festival.' I smirked as her stilettos sank into the grass and I passed her, leaving her sinking. She was pretty but maybe she didn't have a single brain cell in her head.

'Lucy?' I froze at the sound of a familiar voice. One I didn't want to hear. I turned to see my ex, Rich, stood holding a stomp box.

'What are you doing here?' I asked, bitterly, and he could only smile as I felt nauseous.

'You know the guys and I do private events. We have done for years.' He replied, casually. It was true. The Cartwright Brothers had asked him to join as an honorary member a few years previously. Rich could play the drums. He had good rhythm. It's a shame his personality and singing voice were lacking. 'It's great to see you though.'

'I wish I could say the same.' I replied, bluntly.

'So how do you know the bride-to-be?' He asked, cheerfully.

'I'm dating her brother.'

His smile dropped and he frowned. 'Of course. Nathan Jones. Sleeping your way to the top again I see. I thought you might have learnt after being cheated on by Ed Sheeran, my least favourite ginger.'

I tried not to flinch even though his words stung. 'Nathan is nothing like Ed.'

'Of course not. He's not your soulfinder.' But he was. Although I wasn't about to say it.

'Lucy! I've been looking everywhere for you!' Melanie appeared, an excited look on her face. She glanced at my less-than-happy expression and her eyebrows furrowed together. 'Are you okay?'

'Absolutely.' I replied, giving her a fake smile. She didn't know me well enough yet to recognise when my smile was false. Unlike her brother, who had me all figured out. 'Come on, I'm starved.' I lied, linking my arm through hers. 'Let's get some food.'

I was on edge the whole night and I forced myself to eat, even though I was worried the food would come back up. I sipped at my beer, wanting to hide from everything but, at the same time, not wanting to be hungover when Nathan picked me up the following day. After performing lots of covers, which the girls seemed to love, the band joined everyone by the campfire. I headed back to the tent, desperate to get away from Rich's sleezy stares he kept on firing my way. My eyes filled with tears as I crawled into the tent, wrapping my blanket around myself.

'Luce, you've been weird all evening.' Lily's head appeared in the tent. 'What's going on?'

'Nothing.' I lied, biting my lip and glancing down at the phone in my hand. No messages or notifications.

'Liar.' She whispered, closing the tent door behind her. 'Melanie might believe that smile you've been doing all night but I don't.'

I sighed. 'Rich is my ex.' That was all I was saying. I didn't want to go into detail.

'Rich as in drummer for The Cartwrights? Oh god, I'm so sorry.' She apologised, her eyes softening. 'I didn't realise.'

'It's okay, I don't really talk about it.' I gave her a small smile. 'I'd just like to keep out of his way.'

'That's understandable.' She sighed.

'Lily! Where art vow?!' Melanie called in a sing-song voice and Lily glanced at me, worry etched on her face.

'Go.' I told her. 'I'm tired so I think I'm going to have an early night.' She looked at me, concerned. 'Honestly, I'll be fine.'

I must have drifted off to sleep not long after that, because it was gone midnight when I woke up and Lily was snoring softly behind me, lying on her back with her arms stretched above her head. I tossed and turned on the mattress but I couldn't seem to switch off. I pulled my Minnie Mouse onesie on over my pyjama shorts and vest, slipped on my boots and headed out into the cold night air. The fairylights twinkled, but other than that, the site was filled with darkness. It was almost creepy. I grabbed some food from the kitchen and sat myself on the picnic benches, looking up at the stars. Since I had started dating Nathan, I'd become quite interested in constellations. We often sat out in the dark, looking up at the beautiful night sky and it felt relaxing doing so. My heart ached and I realised I missed him.

'Lucy?'

I froze at the familiar voice. 'What are you still doing here?' I asked as Rich stepped into the light.

'We were all drinking with the girls so we thought we'd stay the night.'

'Of course you did.' I said, bitterly. 'You know, I could file a restraining order against you.'

'I'd like to see you try, darling.' He grinned, a grin that made me shudder. Why had I ever dated him? And why had I dated him for so long? 'I don't think that onesie is your best look.'

'I don't care what you think.' I replied, bitterly and he raised his eyebrows.

'When did you get so firey? It's kinda hot.' He stepped towards me and I jumped up.

'Do you really want a broken nose? Because honestly, that's the way you're going right now.'

'You wouldn't do that, gorgeous.' He reached out for me and I stepped backwards. 'I still don't understand why you don't see that we're meant for each other.'

'Because you're an arrogant dickhead who gets off on hurting and raping women.' I bit back. A car started heading up the gravelly road and lights shone onto the campsite. Who the heck was arriving at this time of night?

'It's not rape if you're my girlfriend.'

'It is if the girlfriend says no.' I said, my voice slightly louder and higher pitch before. I backed away until my back thumped against the wall. He had me cornered. Again.